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Board approves scope statement for updated amphibian and reptile rules
Summary
The Natural Resources Board approved a statement of scope for board order NH-4-25 to revise rules governing harvest, possession, sale, rehabilitation and other activities affecting amphibians and reptiles in Wisconsin; the rulemaking aims to clarify allowable activities and improve enforceability.
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board on Oct. 22 approved a statement of scope for board order NH-4-25, opening a rulemaking process to revise regulations affecting amphibians and reptiles—"herptiles" such as frogs, salamanders, snakes, lizards and turtles.
Scott Carroll, wildlife regulation policy specialist, told the board the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation requested the scope approval to modernize rules in chapters NR 12, 16, 19, 21, 22, 27, 40 and 45. Carroll said the department wants clearer rules for the regulated public, law enforcement and staff on activities including harvest, possession, propagation, sale, trade, exhibition, rehabilitation, stocking and release.
Why it matters: Wisconsin hosts several rare herp species and Carroll said the department has heard that the existing rules need updating to reduce ambiguity, improve enforcement and reflect current management goals. The department held a preliminary public hearing on the scope on Oct. 28 and summarized comments in a memo attached to the board materials.
Board action: Patty Schachner moved approval of the statement of scope; Doug Cox seconded. The board approved the scope statement by voice vote.
Timeline: Carroll said the department intends to begin drafting rule language now and anticipates presenting a proposed rule to the board for review in 2026.
Public input: the board packet noted written input from the Wisconsin Animal Protection Society and the department summarized comments received at the preliminary hearing; Carroll also said the department had technical experts available during drafting.
